December 27

On my way to a meeting some folks in Mr. John’s bar stop me. Meetings never really start on time so I figure it’s a good way to meet some new folks. Halfway though my Fanta someone offers me a chicken for Christmas. He tells me to be around on Christmas day so one of his children can bring it over, kill, and clean it for me. Merry Christmas! At first it seemed like a good idea to ignore the holiday and pretend it was July. Though instead I decided to try and embrace it. This being listening to Xmas music non-stop, baking/delivering sugar cookies around, attending the hospital Christmas party, and going to mass on the big day.

Most of it was wonderful and a good experience. The hospital party was a hoot! Let me tell you. We basically had a “Secret Santa” dance party, this being you draw the name of someone and buy them a present. Instead of handing the recipient a gift you dance around the room with it and fake people out by making them think you are giving it to them. Just a side note, many people gave chickens out. So this meant people dancing around with well, live chickens. Sister Emma gave me a traditional purse with roasted peanuts (groundnuts as they are called here) inside. I experienced a Christmas miracle: The water in my house stayed on the whole time while I had a houseful of guests. When it goes out I pay kids to fetch water from down the hill, which still feels weird to do - but the children want to earn the money and it seems socially acceptable here. It was a nice holiday overall but being away from family and friends was much more difficult than I ever imagined.

Things are good though. Each day is so different but these activities are quite common: working on Pidgin, running from mice, cooking elaborate meals (because I have the time), greeting almost everyone I walk past (Afternoon! How? I be fine. How fo yu, ho fu skin?), reading (I’m averaging 2 books a week – yea!), and really just trying to find my place here. Work now has become life, which is fine by me. Some of my most successful needs assessments are sitting, chatting, and figuring out how I can help here. I’m looking forward to the new year in Africa and what it may bring.

Cheers to a happy, healthy, and beautiful New Year!

December 19

White man! Auntie Kate! Sister Kate! These are just some common greetings I hear as I walk around my new village. Half the time I assume people just think I’m Kate R., the volunteer who I replaced. I gave up on the Katherine name change and have since embraced Kate. It works and half the time it’s a joke, this village is the place for Kates. It makes things easy and I feel awfully welcomed when people automatically know my name.

Overall the past few days have been good. Surprisingly busy but I welcome it. I find I am much happier when I am out doing things and meeting new people. For the first few days when I didn’t really know anyone or what to do I thought, “Oh sheesh, this is going to be a long 2 years”. Though I have already made some friends in village to pass the time with. Prescaline who is a member of the Compassion Campaign assisted me with greeting the Fon down in Bafut. This meant waiting for a good two hours in one of his wives homes and drinking palm wine, a rather strong drink around these parts. It’s seen as a cultural faux pau to refuse drinks and food. Needless to say by around 2 pm we used each other’s support to walk back to our part of village. She cracks me up, especially when we run out of things to talk about and she sighs out a long-winded “wow”.

Along with palm wine, religion plays a rather large role in the village. About 1.5 hours into mass I began to drift on Sunday. I blame this on trying to get used to the length of church around here and the fact mass is spoken in Pidgin, a language I am in the midst of learning. Though in the bit of Pidgin I hear Kate R.’s village name, Manika being said. Before I know it I’m being ushered up to the podium, where Father instructs me to tell everyone my name. As I step up and turn I look out on to the girls from the private boarding school, all dressed in beautiful white dresses. I then realize about 350 people are waiting me to say my name and introduce myself. “I am called Kate”, I say. Applause and smiles soon follow and I have never felt so welcomed before. After mass I stood outside and greeted most of the congregation. Even though going to church was not a large part of my life before coming here it definitely will be here. It really gives you the ability to connect with people and get your face out in the community. Will I have perfect attendance for 2.5 hour-long masses? I highly doubt it.

It seems I’m not the only one struggling with mice, just to keep you all updated. My friend Kim who is also in the NW province lost a decent loaf of bread to those pesky critters. Seth sent me some moral support last night via text: “Hope all your mice are dead. One just ran across my foot”. Mr. Jesiah my gracious counterpart came over earlier today to declare “Operation catch the mice”, though mice traps are a bit different here. They consist of super sticky glue on cardboard, which unfortunately have the ability to catch other things such as lizards. I guess will have to count those 2 as casualties, sorry guys.

As for work I have been quite busy. Met with school principles today to talk about my hopes to start a girls health club and introducing this strange sport called Frisbee. Went to a Compassion Campaign group meeting last week, which was pretty productive. Defining work in the first few months or sort of difficult but in time it will work itself out. As volunteers now our real job is to get situated into our new homes, make friends, and really figure out the needs and how to do our part. Though in the 2 short weeks I have been here things are starting to come together. I’m starting to find my way around and I have found this truly is the place for me.

December 7 PCV

December 7, 2007

Today I made it to post, as a volunteer. Goodness gracious, goodbye to being a trainee. The Northwest gang boarded a bus headed for Bamenda. We made it safe and sound with aside from a breakdown along the way. Once we got into Bamenda Kim and I opened new bank accounts and hit the “white man store”, basically a place where you can get imported foods from Europe. We went out for a nice dinner and turned in early because it had been a long day. A contractor who works for the hospital, Mr.C picked me up this morning. Once I got into village I was welcomed with open arms and rushed into my new home. I spent all afternoon cleaning the kitchen. Mostly killing cockroaches and sweeping out mice poop. I have a message for the mice:

“Don’t come into my new house or prepare to die.”

Sure I’m a peace-loving gal but when it comes to those gosh darn rodents I can’t take it. One of the Sisters came over tonight to check on me. She reassured me the mice were gone; they caught 3 after Kate left. Fantastic, they’re gone. After Sister left I decide to do some more unpacking. Hangers, ok those go in the closest. I open it up only to find a mouse sitting on the rod starting at me. Good god. Not only do I have mice but acrobatic ones at that. First thing on my list tomorrow: Mouse poison that the nurses can mix up in the hospital. I’d much rather find a dead mouse than one eating my food.

I lucked out though; besides the mice my new home is wonderful. It is totally furnished and ready to be lived in. Most people in the group are opening new posts which means they’ll move into empty houses. Nura’s most recent text message pretty much sums it up:

“I’m currently in my house with no furniture and the power’s out. I’m lying on my thermarest which is on my bed frame. It’s actually pretty hilarious and actually blissfully wonderful.” Love it, Nura.

It’s quite strange being out of Bangante. I said goodbye to the host family and the rest of the volunteers. Getting used to being away from so many Americans will take awhile. Just adjusting to village life is going to be a task aside from starting work. I just have to be patient with things and how life is lived around here. Training isn’t really set up for smooth transitions: Say goodbye to everyone and everything in Oregon, Culture/language/etc shock plus a ton of Americans, say goodbye to things you’ve built in roughly 3 months/curfew and totally scheduled days, get wisked off to a village with no Americans and more freedom you’ve had since stateside, along with more time you’ve had in your entire life. EEK! Yeah eek is right.

Jumping right into work with the water project and getting things settled will get good for the first month or so. All I really want to do now is chat with people and figure out what is really going on here. Though Kate did her best to fill me in I have so much to learn, especially in terms of the water project. Other than that I plan on reading, running, and recruiting some kiddos for the health/Frisbee club. Life in Africa as a PCV is not what I expected, though I’m not entirely sure what I truly expected. Just know that I am fine and learning to live in my new world here.

**Side note. I have deleted my phone number and address on the blog. This is due to advice of the Peace Corps and my realization its quite silly to post such private info. If you’d like either just shoot me an email at: wrightk21@gmail.com

Also, another tip in sending packages. Use RED electrical or duct tape to seal the edges. Red and Africans don’t go well together so they’ll be less likely to look through my things.

November 24

November 24, 2007

Thanksgiving was a smashing success, or shall I say a mashing success. In order to fill the bellies of 50 volunteers/staff teams were created for food prep. Our team later claimed the name Team Ireland/Mashed potatoes. Preparation of potatoes in Africa requires 4 Irish lads, beacoup de butter, quite a bit of garlic, and a visit from gangster…Papa of Megan. We donned pilgrim top hats and bonnets in recognition of the special day, along with quite a bit of political incorrectness. Anywho since a turkey wasn’t found, 11 chickens were sacrificed instead. There was an abundance of wonderful comfort foods. Not to mention quite the performance from a soon to be named band and in my opinion covers Stones tunes quite well. All and all it was a fantastic fete, without famine. Here’s to hoping everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Stage is winding down. Though the amount of work has done the opposite. I suppose they meant to do that, keep us out of trouble. One more week of classes, head to Yaounde for logistical things, and back to Bangante for swearing in. It’s officially been over two months since we have arrived. Though time here is difficult to gauge. I blame this on wearing dresses and sunglasses most everyday of the week. Though overall things are well. Since my language has improved things are better with my host family. I tested to my French level so I can begin Pidgin classes as well.

I recently learned a grand difference between American families and those here in Cameroon. This was brought on when I learned my host sisters aren’t actually sisters, they’re cousins. That’s how it works here Nieces, nephews, sisters, cousins, or whoever lives together. Since my host folks are quite well off and live in the city they take on family members to put them through school. Marian is the only child of my host parents and my other 3 siblings are cousins. Their parents live out of town in petite villages. Marian is the youngest of 5 siblings, the rest are grown. I find there is something beautiful about a family really taking care of each other, which extends far past the “immediate” family.

A note on packages/mail:

Thank you to everyone sending things. It feels like Christmas when things arrive – no joke! Mostly because the build up is over a month – ha! When they said it was slow this was the truth. Unless the package is sent DHL (which costs a good arm and a leg) it’s going to take over a month or so. It seems that packages sent via flat rate boxes (through the US postal service) get here in pretty good shape. Also write “Sister Katherine” on it. Religious symbols like crosses help too. People in the postal system tend to give religious packages priority, or that’s the rumor here at least. If it has religious verses or symbols people are less likely to rifle through it. If you are sending food make sure to put it in Zip Loc bags so it doesn’t leak on other things.

What I’ve received so far:

2 postcards from Lauren @ John Hopkins!

1 Halloween card from Dad and Carol, which I received ON Halloween - nice timing folks!

1 card from the Shaddy Shack

1 Turkey Day card from Momma and Bill

1 card from Veronica – aww shucks!

My first package from Dad and Carol – fantastic! Just wonderful: a box filled with Luna/Cliff bars (great for traveling), hand sanitizer (Carol’s got me set for the next two year – yea!), deodorant (I’m good for about 4 months!), nail polish which I painted my host sisters nails with, a journal, a pumpkin Pez, gum (great cause its hard to find sugar free here), and perfume (a lovely scent to lessen my stench).

Thank you SO much!! I understand it takes a lot of time, money, and patience to send things all the way over here. I appreciate it so much. I can’t imagine being here without a family and friends at home who supports and loves me, so thanks again.

My next entry will be as an official Peace Corps volunteer!

Love,

KT

November 18

November 18, 2007

Site visit came and went. I finished up with that malaria business just in time. Kate was a fantastic host to have. All of the health volunteers headed to Bamenda together and stopped for a bite to eat at Uncle Sams (how fitting for a bunch of white kids) before departing for village. It was the first slice of pizza I’ve had in a long time, sure not Dream but still fabulous! We did a bit of food shopping at the “white mans store” (has imported products mostly from Europe) and the open market. On our way out of town Kate introduced me to a pharmacist she has been working with on diabetes education. Pharmacy, eh? OSU has a good pharmacy program now that I remember it. Little did I know he was a graduate of OSU! A picture of commencement in Gill along with other Corn-valley memorabilia threw me – that’s what life in this country is like. You never have a clue as to what or who the day may bring.

After a 20 minute taxi ride we ended up in Village, dropped our bags and went to do the rounds. Basically meet as many people as possible. First stop, the Fons palace. Present gift to Fon, which was a bottle of wine. Stand up when he walks in, sit down when he does. Say a few words oh and don’t cross your legs. There is something taboo about showing him the bottom of your feet. Check and check! We met up with some members of the HIV/AIDS Compassion group. It was great to see so many welcoming faces whom I’ll be collaborating with soon. After that we were off to greet the Mayor and other important officials. At first the 2 Kate’s jokes were awfully funny and silly as we laughed along with everyone we greeted. Though the jokes only got better when the 3^rd Kate, an Agricultural volunteer who will be posted about 45 minutes away from my village stopped in for a visit. It will be lovely to have her so close especially since we’ll hopefully collaborate on projects. I’m pretty sure these nice people in village will only think of American women as people whom are tall and come with the name Kate. So folks you know what that means – I’m changing my name again!

For those utterly confused with my name changing over the past few years, I am here to settle the score. The folks name a gal Katherine, she goes by Katie till university, which turns into crew/rowing Katherine, then into Frisbee Kate and now back to Village Katherine. The queen of the palace gave me the name Suri so I’ll probably go by that too.

Back to post. Went to my first water committee meeting, overwhelming but good. It’s great to see people coming together to work for the common good in their village. It’s a very interesting and complicated project which I’ll gab about later another time. Though the important thing is that things are moving along and motivated people are on board, which is more I could ask for in my first major project. That evening we had dinner with the sisters of the convent. There are about 25 of them and they are quite the gals!

One afternoon we went out to toss the disc near the girls boarding school. There were quite a few children playing soccer and came over to throw. It was a nice warm evening and we could hear the girl’s choir singing in the background. The kids were having a lot of fun playing a new interesting game. I was thinking oh how great is this, I can’t wait to swear in and move here. Then bam! I smack some innocent little girl in the face with the disc. That’s life in the Peace Corps, you think its all fantastic and then back to reality! She ended up getting a bloody nose. Sheesh, I felt terrible. Though she was fine and we kept playing. Some of those kids had some pretty sick one handed grabs! It was great to see for sure. I am hoping to integrate the sport into a health club at the school.

Now we head into the next two weeks of training. I only have one level of French left to meet then I can begin French classes. Fantastic!

November 1

November 1, 2007

My alarm went off this morning, I first thought “ugg, I need more sleep” then the thought of post announcements came into my head. I sprang out of bed, only to be shut down by the mosquito net…whoops.

Anywho back to post announcements! We all were handed a piece of paper folded in half with our post – ahh! Then we all looked at the same time – it felt like Christmas, without the commercialism and wrapping paper though. I will be posted in the Northwest Province in a small village working with a Medical Center along with other community groups. The NW province is quite developed for the most part in comparison to the other 10 provinces in Cameroon. The town I’ll be living in is about 30 minutes away from Bamenda, which is a rather large city boasting a population of 235,000. I am absolutely thrilled with my post!! The Northwest is an Anglophone region, which means it’s technically English speaking along with Pidgin English. After I meet my French level I will begin taking Pidgin classes. I will be replacing a current volunteer, whom by coincidence is also a Kate. She was in town last week and I had a chance to speak with her. It sounds like a wonderful place to be posted with numerous opportunities for interventions.

As I understand the main focus will be a water project. In addition to the water, I will hopefully be assisting a VIH/SIDA compassion support group. On Monday I will meet my counterpart. He or she will help me integrate into the community and get things rolling. I will know much more about the post after that meeting. Also, on Wednesday all volunteers leave for a weeklong site visit to check things out. I am really looking forward to this. The idea of Peace Corps has been such as ambiguous idea in my mind for so long. It is really fantastic to be at this point in training. Being able to actually SEE the site and meet community members is really exciting. Also, quite a few trainees will be posted within an hour of Bamenda so it will be great to meet up with them once a week or so. There are also volunteers close by to Bamenda who are currently working already.

My home is situated in the medical center. From what I hear it is quite nice and not what I expected at all. For a few months out of the year, the guest room will be occupied with European doctors or nurses whom are visiting and working at the med center. I had the option of having my own home off site. Though I think this sounds like a wonderful chance to meet new folks. Also, if it doesn’t work out I can always change living arrangements. Overall, this post sound very structured, though with room to explore new projects. I am really grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to travel to Bafut next week! It feels like the right fit and I couldn’t be happier.

I moved from the Northwest, only to move to another Northwest. YEA!

Cheers and much love!

KT

October 26

Today is one of the best days I have been here in Cameroon. Kim, the APCD (Associated Peace Corps Director) for the heath program met with each volunteer. This is in lieu of our post announcements this week. She is basically our supervisor in PC when it comes directly to our posting and work in the future. It was great to check in with her, update information and preferences for posting. It is exciting to hear about possible places where PCT will be heading in about a month or so.

Since I have arrived in country I have been really interested in working in water and sanitation interventions. Getting a clean, fresh drink of water in the states is routine for most people. Though here the situation here is much different. Most water that comes from the faucet is untreated, though even if it has been treated the infrastructure of pipes ruins the clean water. There are many techniques for purifying water here in Cameroon and I hope to implement those once in community. I figure this is a topic that is very specific to a developing country and I may not have this same PH opportunity in the states.

Take a break, go ahead and Google the phrase: “Blister beetle”, head to images. I’m assuming a nice picture of a good sized blister will show up, or maybe an example of the critter that got me this week. While in Cameroon my health has been great, thankfully. Though I have found I’m pretty much a “bon-bon”or candy for the insects here. Currently I have 3 good-sized blister/bites on my ankle, hot – I know. Tao, one of the instructors insisted I head to the doctor at the hospital yesterday. Don’t worry Momma it’s nothing serious. Mostly uncomfortable from the swelling/itching. Though I found the doctor was more interested in talking to Americans than worrying about my leg. Aba, my good friend accompanied me along with one of the PC drivers. Aba is an all-star French speaker and was the key ingredient for translation. We also stopped into the bakery and snagged some goodies after visiting the pharmacy.

Another highlight of my day was when Marian one of my host sisters offered to help clean my room. I have learned that if anyone offers to help, you accept because it’s really just his or her way of telling you to do something. I asked her to pick some music from my iPOD, she decided to blast Shania Twain. Here I am, in Africa listening to Shania Twain. Goodness. Sonja, one of my language trainers who live in the Otis family compound came over to join in. Then we switched it over to Britney Spears and had a dance party. Fantastic. Life is good today in Cameroon. I have my language interview tomorrow morning, which determine how much French I have obtained in 5 weeks.

I spoke with both my Mom and Dad on Sunday night, which was pretty great. Mom and Bill just retured from a trip to Ireland – yea world travelers! Way to use that passport Bill! It was great to check in and hear about their trip across the pond. Dad and Carol are in Las Vegas now – fun! When my host family asked about them I couldn’t have sounded more like a stereotypical rich American. “Oh my Mom just got home from Europe and my Dad is vacationing in Vegas” – ha! It is SO, SO wonderful to have updates from the states and hear happy voices. The time difference is tricky sometimes – 8 hours now…soon to be 9 once Oregon “falls back”.

PS: One more highlight. A volunteer who is about to COS (close of service) is giving me a whole box of new Frisbees along with cones!! Apparently someone from the states sent them over but she never had a chance to use them. Fantastic!! Tossing a disc a few times in a week has been keeping me sane. Tomorrow after classes I’m having a
mini-throwing clinic at the stade – sweet!!

October 12

October 12, 2007

After watching “One fine day” with a group of girls Erica and I trotted home in the dark. I boiled a pot of water and was ushered out of the “modern” kitchen (consisting of a stove/sink/freezer) by Mariann to the “traditional kitchen”, which basically is a room where they cook over a fire. Dinner time. Each time the lid of a giant pot is lifted I hold my breath. She revealed many bananas in peanut sauce along with giggly looking meat. I dish up some, wondering what it may be….make the mistake of asking…the answer: cow skin. Awesome.

I also got rocked by my host brothers earlier in UNO. I’m thankful for universal card games, which I can play with them. Our TV is on the fritz, so we can take a break from the French dubbed Spanish soap opera which my host mom can’t seem function without.

Today we took a well-needed field trip to Bassoufam. Our main focus of training this week has been HIV/AIDS (in Francais: VIH/SIDA) so it was fitting to visit a testing clinic. Medical confidentiality is an issue that is taken quite seriously in the states. Though it’s a bit different here. All those whom wish to be tested are put into a large room where they watch a 30 min VIH/SIDA video and receive pre-testing counseling as a group. So much for confidentiality, eh? After going through the counseling each person is called back by number to either receive results or have their blood taken. It was unsetting and terrifying to sit among people whom may receive news that could very well change their lives forever. The statistics for VIH/SIDA in Cameroon exclusively is 1 in 9 persons, though not as rampant as some African countries, the stats are staggering. The government has made strides to improve knowledge of the citizens, which is apparent. The children and teens I have spoken with are quite well informed though it’s the implementation of that knowledge which is the difficult area.

Things are starting to come together. It has helped that we’ve all sort of adopted a bit of routine after classes each day…at least till we have to go home before curfew. I failed to mention that, we all have to be at home, safe and sound by 6pm. Excellent. So this is how the week has shaped up thus far:

Monday: Ultimate at the stade, a AUPA (African ultimate players association) is in the works.

Tuesday: Cyber café, find out the Al Gore won a Nobel Peace Prize. Call Grandpa to wish him a Happy 85^th birthday! Decide that I miss Grandpa very much and am homesick for eating ice cream with him, talking politics, and everything else about him. Get a bit weepy about the birthday bash I missed out on.

Wednesday: An evening that is becoming one of my favorites. Gather at the PC house and make a big dinner, everyone pitches in 1000 CFA and eats fantastic food. Last week was Mexican, this week was spaghetti, and there are Thai rumors for next week.

Thursday: School gets out early and everyone including language trainers joins in for a soccer match. Nura and I walk laps instead of getting kicked in the shins. Learn that Nura is chummy with Al Gores son and went to school with him. Decide that the 10 degrees separation thing is actually true, and that Nura is pretty fantasic friend to have.

Friday (Today): After classes retire among many others at Chez Pierre, a shack/bar/hut and have a “33” (pronounced trente-trois) brew and plan Ambers surprise birthday soiree for this weekend. Hotly debate whether or not to buy a goat for my post.

Halloween is just around the corner, please send costume suggestions as you wish. Also, in upcoming news: On the 1^st of November is the day for post announcements. This is when I’ll find out where I will be working/living in Cameroon post training.

PS: I have a cell phone here – yea! Texting is pretty great. I left my cell phone with everyone’s #’s in the PC safe in Yaounde so if you don’t get a call from me that’s why. Anywho, here’s my African digits: 001 237 74 83 02 31

Much love from Cameroon. KT

Tuesday October 9, 2007

Our recent training motto: the days go slow but the weeks fly by. It’s true. It’s been roughly 3 weeks since I left for my PC adventures. It seems like we’ve been gone much longer than that for some reason though. Over the past few things I’ve realized a few things….French is rough. I’m slowly getting the hang of it though. Due to the patience of trainers Djanabo and Sonja things are looking up. I may have been the first PCT to cry in French class due to utter confusion/frustration – awesome! Thankfully Cameroonians as a whole are very forgiving when it comes to language.

Weekdays here consist of classes from 7:30 am till 4:30 pm. I walk to school with Nina, Marian, and Toman (host siblings). Marian and Toman catch a motortaxi to school, basically they just hop on the back of a guys motorcycle. During lunch I have French tutoring. After class I normally go running with Ali, go to the stade, attempt to check my email @ the cyber café, or practice French. Monday has turned into Frisbee day. I meet up with friends at the stadium, or as it’s called here, the stade. Futbol is normally played there but we throw together a game of ultimate once a week. It’s been really great tossing around a disc for a bit. Watching Cameroonian kiddies catch a Diva disc is quite fantastic as well.

I spend Saturday morning at school till about noon. Afterwards we head down to the market, which is always an experience. I bargained my hangers down 400 CFA last time, and I was pretty soaked. Afterwards I head home to do laundry. In the states all it takes is a push of a button and some soap. Here? Not so much. Want clean clothes in Cameroon? Just follow these easy steps:

1) Gather 2.5 week old laundry from room

2) Ask sister Nina how to wash it, note her expression her horrified look of quantity of dirty clothes

3) Fill bucket of cold soapy water

4) Scrub clothes for about 1 hour or so (make sure to keep you’re undies of sight – it’s awfully taboo)

5) Rinse, hang to dry….wait 3 days for them to dry

6) Iron them so the mango flies that may be embedded in the clothes don’t borough into your skin – yea!

Sundays consist of an early 6AM 5 mile run with my host Dad and Nina. We meet up with a futbol team at the tennis court for more exercises. My Sunday afternoons have turned into field trips with my host Dad Toukham. Last week it was out to meet his Mom in a small village, and to greet the kin of the village (who had about 6 cheetah furs hung in his hut – oh my!). This Sunday we drove out to Bazou, where he is the mayor. A group of 15 women decided to rush the car yelling his name…he then shelled about 10,000 CFA to them. Apparently it’s customary for Mayors to give out the big bucks.

It is the end of the rainy season, which means in a few weeks it’s going to get hot and sunnier! I also hear it brings dust, which I’d rather have than the current muddy situation. Cameroonians eat a lot of carbs, if you intend on following the Adkin’s diet stay far, far, away from this African country. Plantains, white bread, potatoes, and rice are in abundance. I cringe at the lack of whole grains in my diet. Luckily the West Province is relatively close to the ocean so fish is eaten quite regularly.

PS: Yah to 3 new entries! It's been busy but I've finally posted. Enjoy. Much love. Kate

Today has been a great day - David one of the leaders went to Basofam and picked up whole wheat bread and peanut butter for me! Ahh just a bit of heaven in Cameroon!

September 29, 2007

Thanks to the invention of batteries, I am able to type in my mag lite lit room. The past few days have been full up, downs, and in betweens. The ride from Yaounde was a hoot. Megan and I had quite the time discussing car crashes, cruises/anticruises, along with determining how to pee alongside the road among 12 other PCV’s. Now I can truly understand why wearing skirts is so handy. It was quite the trip, about 5 hours in a hot, sticky bus of love/Pringles and melted chocolates. Upon arrival we all stood with baggage and tow waiting for our families. I have been adopted by family “Toukam Otis”, consisting of my Maman, Papdre, sister Nina, sister Marian, and 2 brothers…which I am currently determining their names without seeming rude. Language barriers pose quite the evenings. Luckily Marian speaks spots of English aiding in my Francais adventures. During the tour of my new home she showed me the freezer, which is pretty impressive. As she opened the lid I noticed a pair of chicken feet and made the mistake of poking at them. Consequently, Nina grabbed them and pulled out a fully plucked frozen chicken…welcome to Cameroon. The home of Toukam is beautiful, more than I ever expected. Running water, electricity (most of the time), a television and full stove. They are very welcoming, patient, and gracious people.

Our crash course in PCT is busy. Classes begin @ 7:30 AM and we’re home by about 5 pm. Language is pretty much the only thing I care about at this moment. Most of the time I feel like that foreign exchange student from American Pie…remember that scene….”Chester cheeto…would you like to…?” uggghhh well that about where I am. Everyday I find small improvements to build off of though. Today I went to lunch with some friends, came home and filtered h20 (yea!), and went to the boutique. My family owns the store downtown in a pretty hoppin’ area. The Saturday market is nearby where you can find almost everything you’ll need in Bangete. The town is situated in a lush green area, which allows for awesome thunderstorms that brings buckets of water from the sky. I was never a fan of cold Oregon rain but there’s something I enjoy about short bouts of warm Cameroonian rainshowers. I’m looking forward to getting thru training and finding out where I may be posted. Though in the meantime I’ll continue to enjoy avacado/laughing cow cheese/eggs sandwiches (400 Franks/CFA…roughly $1), walking to school among beautiful Cameroonian children as they stare at me, learning more essential verbs, and the application of bug spray.

Too good too be true moment: After dinner and “chatting” (mostly one word babbles from me in French/English) to my Cameroonian parents my host Papa offers me wine. I accept. He pulls out a new bottle of vin rouge from the cabinet opens it and we enjoy a glass over photos of his election as mayor of a neighboring village. As I stand to go to bed he tells me to take the bottle Spanish wine, keep it in my room as a gift. Cameroon is that awesome. Abiento, or as a one from Bangante would say: Aleonda!

24 September 2007

I spent my last days in Oregon playing Frisbee and not packing enough. After a going away party in Eugene with many family and friends I flew out of Eugene early Tuesday morning Philly treated us well. Good food and good people. After days filled of chatter we’d all go out in the city for dinner. Most of our time was spent in the hotel conference room though. I ran past the Liberty Bell, US Mint, but I’ll have to go back another time to run up the famous Rocky steps.

Our journey took us from Philly by way of JFK, luckily our trip up to NY took us thru the city, by way of Bryant Park, near Time Square and past the Chrysler building. On to Paris we went and 26 hours later we arrived in Yaounde, Cameroon. It was quite the trip, but we made it safe and sound. 10 PC employees/current volunteers met us @ the airport, we passed customs thru the diplomat aisle – yea! After settling into our hotel we had a good nights rest and a Sunday of card games and Cameroonian brews. In the evening we headed to the County Directors home, James Ham where we had a meal with the US Ambassador. Yaounde is a lush city for the most part, very green with quick bursts of rain. It hasn’t been too hot, tolerable as we begin to acclimate. I am quite sure I may begin scouting for Americans Next Top Model because Cameroonians are beautiful.

There are a total of 42 volunteers, about half are health volunteers and the other Agro-Forestry. Average age around 25 for the most part. The Pacific Northwest is represented for sure. I’m not the tallest girl in the group – sweet!! Monday was spent in class sessions which involved language interview, medical intake…along with becoming “human pincushions” yaow! Differences so far: The water isn’t always on…case and point…take a shower when its on….even if it’s 1 in the morning. Power goes on and off, though its nothing to worry about. Oranges are green unlike in the states. The list may go on and on.

We are spending our last days in Yaounde finishing up medical things and paperwork. Today was pretty low key. We went to the police station to get our ID cards, had some safety training, and more shots. Luckily, I didn’t need the ones given out today – yea! Last night in the hotel a local band played for us, it was pretty awesome…. especially with the thunderstorms in the background…and the power flickering on and off.

We took a bit of a tour today, drove by the 54 millon dollar US embassy. Apparently the US Marines stationed there play ultimate there every Thursday and PCV are welcome to join…this means I’m hoping to be posted near the capital. Marines have nothing on Diva Disc alum, right? By Thursday we’ll be with our host families and moved to the town of Bangante, a mid sized city. We’re still all really jet lagged, resulting in staying up most of the evening playing numerous card games.

This blog is dedicated to the VanLues, whom with their support I was able to write this from my hotel room on my NEW laptop. Thank you thank you to Will and Lea. I’m already missing our Thursday Dream nights.

Lesson learned: The ability to sleeping in random spots (hotel lobby, Peace Corps headquarters office, airplane, van, table) and at any free moment is key to survival and general well being.

It’s wonderful finally being here. Cameroon is beautiful and the people are very welcoming. Time for bed, we start early here in Yaounde: breakfast is served @ 6:45 AM. Much love. Aurevior!

Visiting Kate

The following points of information and advice have been compiled from various sources (previous visitors, former Volunteers, staff, etc.) for people planning to visit Peace Corps Volunteers in Cameroon. Visitors and Volunteers have learned that advance planning, communication between the volunteer and visitor, and flexibility are very important aspects of a successful and satisfying trip. We hope that the suggestions and information below will be helpful. You may also wish to consult various travel books such as the Lonely Planet's Africa on a Shoestring and West Africa on a Shoestring or the Rough guide.

Remember: Visitors are not permitted during a Volunteer's pre-service training or during the first three months at post. The best time for visits are after a Volunteer has spent at least six months at post.


1. Planning. Start planning at least six months before departure since several things have to be done sequentially which can add up to several weeks/months. Keep in mind that communication takes a long time, so arranging the logistics through the mail will require a lot of lead-time. Make sure that the timing of your visit is convenient for the Volunteer you are visiting. A Volunteer's primary obligation is to his/her assignment, so be sure that your visit will not disrupt any work plans. We recommend visits at some point during the second year.

2. Passport. If you do not already have a passport, obtain a passport application and application instructions from a post office or your travel agent. To apply for a passport, you will need the completed application with two passport photos (with your signature on the back of each photo) and the application fee.

3. Visa. To apply for a visa to Cameroon, obtain two application forms from the Cameroonian embassy, 2349 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008 or over the Net; the phone number at the embassy is (202) 265-8790. After completing the applications, send them to the embassy with your passport, two passport photos, W.H.O. records showing the required yellow fever shot (see below), the application fee, and a copy of either your tickets or your detailed flight itinerary, and a bank statement. You may also need to submit a letter of invitation from your Volunteer family member. Peace Corps Cameroon will also provide you with a letter supporting your visa application if your volunteer provides the offices with the details of your visit. You will be issued a single entry visa only, unless you specifically request multiple entry. You must have multiple entry if you plan to leave the country and return during the period of the visa's validity. Be sure to call the Embassy and verify with them that procedures have not changed.

It is our understanding that the Embassy will not return your passport to you unless you send a pre-paid express mail envelope. If you are in the D.C. area, you can pick it up at the embassy.

Separate visas are required for almost all African countries you may plan to visit, except for intermediate stops where you will not go outside the terminal while en route to or from Cameroon. Each embassy requires that you send your passport with the visa application, so you can only apply for one visa at a time.

You can consolidate and expedite your passport and visa applications if necessary by going through a private company that handles it for you for an additional fee of approximately $30 per visa or passport. (Ask a travel agent for details).

4. Health. A yellow fever vaccination is required. This immunization must be logged in a World Health Organization (W. H. O.) International Certificate of Vaccination. For more information on what additional vaccines, antimalarials or medications are required or recommended, contact your local health board or the Division of Immunization at the Centers for Disease in Atlanta, Georgia, (404) 639-1870, or on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/cafrica.html

You should also plan to take anti-malarial prophylactic drugs prior to departure from USA and during your stay in Cameroon. Contact the Malaria Hotline at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, (404)639-1610 for information on what drug(s) to take and where you can get them.

While in Cameroon, precautions must be taken with food preparation and water treatment. Drink only bottled water in sealed bottles or water that has been filtered and chlorinated or boiled. Vegetables must also be soaked in chlorine if they are not being cooked or peeled.

There are health risks, and the medical facilities in Cameroon are not comparable to facilities in the United States. Peace Corps medical Staff cannot provide care for family members or friends who require medical attention while in Cameroon. We strongly suggest that you consider extra insurance with emergency evacuation coverage from a company such as International SOS Assistance, Inc. (P.O. Box 11568, Philadelphia, PA 19116, 1-800-523-8930 or 215-244-1500 in PA).

5. Money. The currency used in Cameroon is called franc CFA. The franc CFA is fixed to the Euro (656 CFA = 1 Euro; 1 USD is about 500 CFA.) Travelers’ checks are safe, but incur exceedingly high commission rates and other charges (up to 25%). Travelers’ checks in dollars have also become increasingly difficult to change. You may want to take at least some travelers checks in Euros, since switching dollars to CFA in Yaoundé is usually more expensive than switching dollars to Euros in U.S. and then Euros to CFA in Yaoundé. Some of the big (and expensive) hotels in Yaoundé will accept an American Express or Visa credit card (caution advised). ATMs on the “Plus” system are increasingly available around the country. The best person to answer questions about money (and how much to take) is the Volunteer whom you are planning to visit.

6. Baggage. Have all your suitcases locked. On most airlines, you are allowed 2 pieces of baggage (not to exceed 50 lbs. each) per passenger for trips from the United States to Europe, but only 20 kg (44 lbs.) total for intra-European or African flights. Therefore, you may be charged an excess baggage fee for anything over 44 lbs. from Europe to Africa unless you check your baggage through to Africa directly from the U.S. (If you check baggage all the way through, be sure the baggage ticket has all appropriate code letters for the trip; the code for the airport in Douala is DLA, the Yaoundé airport is NSI, and the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris is CDG). Consult your airline or travel agent for further information.

7. Flight Check-In. If you fly through Paris, arrive at the check-in counter for the flight to Douala or Yaoundé two hours before take off. They start checking passengers in then and you cannot get a seat assignment until this check-in. The check-in process goes very slowly, so plan to stand in line a long time. They will not allow large carry-on bags.

8. Arrival in Douala / Yaoundé. You must have both your passport and W.H.O. card for immigration when arriving at the airports in Cameroon. French and some English are spoken at the airport, but it would be best to ask the Volunteer you are visiting to have someone meet you at the airport. You will have to open all bags for inspection. Try to keep all your bags in sight once they come into the baggage area. There will be men vying to carry your bags for payment. Carry your bags yourself if you can. If not, negotiate a price with one person before allowing anyone to take your bags (about 1$ per bag.) If no one is going to meet you at the airport, get instructions ahead of time from the Volunteer on how to take a taxi to your next destination.

9. Accommodations. Your best source of information about where to stay is the Volunteer whom you are planning to visit. The Yaoundé Hilton presently has a special rate for families and friends of Peace Corps and is recommended by Peace Corps staff, and the Akwa Palace Hotel in Douala gives a Peace Corps discount as does the Parfait Garden.

10. Photos. Picture taking is fine, in general, but you should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph. Photos are never allowed at the airport or any military installation, so please keep your camera concealed when near these locations.

11. Identification. During the course of your stay in Cameroon, you will have to show your passport to the police several times, so you must carry it with you in a safe place at all times. It is sometimes convenient to have a certified photocopy of your passport to present to officials. Your volunteer will know how to do this.

12. Departure. Presently, you must pay a departure tax of 10,000 CFA at the Douala or Yaoundé airport before boarding. Check ahead of time, as this tax needs to be paid in local currency, and most likely you would need the exact amount.

Contact information

Email: wrightk21@gmail.com

Snail mail:
Katherine A. Wright
Peace Corps Trainee
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 215
Yaoundé, Cameroon

Mailing tips:
Keep in mind that developing countires like Cameroon don't have mailing systems we're all accustomed to. Here are some tips to help letters/packages along:

• Make sure to write "Airmail" and "Par Avion" on the envelopes


• Writing "Sister" or "Daughter" in front of the name will add importance to the parcel and may move it along quicker...or maybe someone will think I'm a nun


• Number each item that is sent, if the first letter I receive is #3 we'll know I missed the first 2


• Stay away from "surface mail", this can take a long. long. time!


• Thank you!! Taking the time to mail something to me is pretty awesome. So thank you!

FAQS

When are you leaving? Tuesday September 18th for Philadelphia, I'll meet up with about 40 other volunteers headed to Cameroon for training/visits to the doctor where we'll get suped up on all sort of vaccines. We'll fly from Philly to Paris and connect to Cameroon on the 21st. For the first 3 months I'll live with a host family and endure training for my future job.

Why are you going? I can't think of a better time in my life to take off and volunteer for a cause I'm passionate about. The travel bug has got me and I've always wanted to speak French.

What will you be doing Working as a public health coordinator is a dream job...I'm stoaked! Main projects: HIV/AIDS education, malaria prevention, water/sanitation, and mother/baby nutrition. On the side: I'm bringing along some discs to toss around...hopefully start an ultimate group.

How long will you be gone? Hopefully for about 2 years, if all goes well. This would put me back in the states around Decemeber 09' or January 10'. I may come back to Oregon next summer for my brothers wedding...and the Olympic Trials in Eugene (fingers crossed)

What will you miss the most? ULTIMATE, cafe yumm, having family 1 hour either north or south on I-5, dream pizza, moms baking/tea time, being able to call shaddy whenever I feel like it, Sunday mornings with the times, the public library, puka my volvo, red 10 speeds

Timeline

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-Mark Twain

Applicant (Fall):
Leaving ultimate practice early is something that is frowned upon though I justified it to learn more about Peace Corps. I sat down, still sweating from frisbee and listened to RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) stories/experiences. Peace Corps has been in the back of my mind for years, since high school. The following day I attended an application workshop to learn more. With such a long application process, I needed to apply soon. For the next two weeks, I spent most of my time in the library writing essays, and filling in blanks. I submitted my application along with 2 essays in the middle of November, within two days I received a call from the PC office in Seattle. They wanted to set up a time to interview. This meant shopping with my dear friend Annie for "big kid" clothes, apparently college sweatshirts and/or tie dye wouldn't cut it.

I met with Jen, who would later become my PC Recruiter. Questions ranged from, the basics of why do you want to become a PCV to others such as if I would change my appearance to fit in with the locals - (yes!). When asked about country placement, I stated to place me where the sun will be shining. A few weeks later I received a call from Jen, while I was walking to class. As the rain poured down I took cover under Weniger Hall. This is where I learned I was nominated to serve. I was given 3 options of countries, all working in public health HIV/AIDS prevention, exactly where my heart is for service. I chose the option of West Africa departing in September of 2007. My bud Ed walked by during this conversation (Africa-wow!) and I did all I could to contain my excitement and giving someone (Ed and or a stranger) a big bear hug.

Nominee (Winter/Spring)
A few weeks later a rather large envelope arrived in our tiny mailbox. I was officially nominated on December 1, 2006. Program Name: Health Degreed/Africa. Most Health Degreed volunteers work in communities working to improve the lives of citizens involving Maternal/Child Health, Nutrition, or HIV/AIDS prevention education. Work with HIV/AIDS has always been a passion of mine, work as a Valley Aids Information Network (VAIN) My experience with VAIN has exposed the reality of the disease and how it affects peoples lives.
After one is nominated comes the dreaded medical clearance process. Stories from fellow Frisbee Diva and current PCV Angela was helpful during this time. Monthly emails from Ange to and from Paraguay has been fantastic, she's become my PC Sensei. Appointments were made to the dentist and doctor. Though dentist Jack Rocheld thinks I'm crazy for applying. He mentioned after the office remodel all of the old dentistry chairs and instruments were sent to Africa with a retired dentist and his wife, setting up a clinic. We both decided it was a sign, and Dr.Jack gave me his blessing :).

I was dentally cleared on January 30, 2007, 2 weeks after my appointment with Dr.Jack. One of my X-Rays hangs in the Flat (place I live with flatmate Beckie) due to the fact that its a photograph of my teeth/skull and my nose piercing. Come see it, its hilarious. So the dental went without a hitch and the rest soon followed...or so I thought.
A visit to Dr.Burton went well in Salem, I'm one healthy gal (knock on wood). After numerous blood tests..ugh I was done with that portion after battling anemia for the past year or so (I ate steak for the Peace Corps - no joke!). Due to an allergic reaction (yea to backyard bonfires) from last summer I've been hounding Good Samaritan Hospital for the past few months. Peace Corps does its best to make sure all is covered, understandable once you are out in the field. This past Friday March 30, 2007 I faxed in the rest of the paperwork. I'm going to call the Medical Office in D.C. on Monday to double check everything is in order. Though as far as I know, all that I need to do has been done. Time to sit back, hurry up and wait.

June 7, 2007: I walked home with Luke today, one of our neighbors (the bears upstairs). As we both got our mail I yelped - something from DC! I was happy to find a note from the med. offices asking for additional information. Just another blood test and a quick exam. Sweet! Hopefully after that info. is sent off tomorrow I'll be cleared. Fingers crossed! It was awesome to welcome my flatmate holding up my letter with a huge smile. We're both heading off into wonderful places in our lives (2 different continents strangely enough).

July 7, 2007: I find that I am most productive during the early morning hours. So I woke up yesterday around 6 AM to study a bit for my French exam. During breakfast I opened my email account to find wonderful news: Greetings from the Peace Corps Placement Office in Washington! Congratulations on recently receiving your medical clearance. Needless to say - I'm now one happy peace seeking gal. It's been quite the process so I'm quite relieved everything has gone thorough finally. I've been cooresponding with a few folks in DC, sending updated paperwork and double checking things. They requested I find my passport which led to near distruction of my desk though I found it eventually. The earliest I can leave is September 17, which is right after club sectionals in Corvallis. I'd like to keep playing as much ultimate before I leave. French courses will wrap up in a few weeks and I'll have my degree by the end of August. I am looking forward to hearing more news from DC in the comming weeks.

July 17,2007: I read a National Geographic Adventure magazine at Dixon today. I read a quote that reassured my current state as I wait for invitation:

"Nothing can happen to you if you don't leave home" - Paul Theroux.

I bought it. I'm leaving and I can't wait. Every time I see a FedEx truck I get excited. No, I don't have a thing for FedEx guys. I'm just hoping one of those fellas has my invitation packet.

INVITATION July 25, 2007
Just as I left for a run I took a quick look @ my phone, 1 voice mail. I received a message from the Peace Corps informing me of an invitation. All I'm told is to check my email and look out for a FedEx package in the next few days - holy crap! I called Celeste and Shaddy to share the news...no one picked up. So I go for a run instead of attempting to bottle up all my excitement. I decide to go to a coffee house and study before meeting Celeste for gelato. I open up my email box to find: Invitation to Serve in Cameroon September 19 2007.
I soon learn I have been invited to be a "Public Health Coordinator" working on numerous projects ranging from mother/infant nutrition, malaria prevention, and HIV/AIDS education. Amazing. Cameroon has been dubbed a "mini-Africa" due to its geographical and cultural diversity. Celeste also pointed out it's the "land of plenty". I'm stoaked, overwhelmed, excited, and sometimes when I think about moving to a foreign country I want to jump up and down...or throw up a little.